ATLANTA – Now that former Alabama linebacker Rolando McClainhas retired from the NFL – at least for the time being – there’s something his former coach would like to see.

“I just hope he comes back and finishes his degree,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said Thursday. “If he decides to do something else, there’ll be something else that he’s qualified to do, that he wants to do.”

At age 23, McClain announced his retirement after having signed a one-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens a month ago, but 10 days later, he was arrested in his hometown of Decatur. It was the third arrest since December 2011 for the former All-American who the Oakland Raiders selected with the eighth pick in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. The Raiders released McClain earlier this year.

Saban was asked for his reaction to the retirement before speaking at a Crimson Caravan appearance at Turner Field.

“Ro did a great job for us,” Saban said. “I’ve had a real close relationship with him, and we’ve talked about it a couple of times. I think Ro is just in a place where he doesn’t think he can do his best.

“I think he’s a prideful guy, and he’d like to get things straightened out personally and then decide whether he wants to go on and play football or not.”

Saban said he last spoke to McClain “maybe a week ago,” and the two have talked several times in the past month.

Earlier Thursday, McClain issued a statement that said “it is in my best interest to focus on getting my personal life together,” but he indicated that he eventually might resume his pro football career, possibly with the Ravens.

“God willing, maybe I'll play for them one day," he said in the statement.

Saban said he hasn’t talked to McClain about that, “so I can’t comment on that.”

Saban was the head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2005-06. He said “absolutely” he would rather have a player retire rather than come into training camp 50 percent distracted.

“For the Ravens, Ro’s being fair to them,” Saban said. “What he’s saying is that he’s not ready to play rather than them having to release him, where someone else can claim him. They can retain his rights.

“I think he likes the Ravens organization. I think he likes John (Harbaugh, coach). I think he likes Ozzie (Newsome, general manager). He appreciates the fact that they gave him an opportunity, so I think he’s doing the right thing.”

Saban said he enjoys staying in touch with his former players.

“I have a job to do with the guys we have on our team right now, which is a challenging enough job in and of itself,” he said. “But all the players know I’m there for them, if they need help or if they need anything. I’m always happy to hear from them and do anything I can or we can to help them as an institution or me personally.”